NEW DELHI, India—Congress’ members of parliament on Wednesday irked over description of martyrdom days of Bhai Beant Singh, Bhai Beant Singh, Bhai Harjinder Singh Jinda and Bhai Sukhdev Singh Sukha in Nanakshahi Calendar released by Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee (SGPC).
They raised the issue in parliament of India targeting the SGPC and its ruling party Shiromani Akali Dal (Badal). Instead of endorsing the move of SGPC, SAD (B) disassociated itself from the matter.
The Congress leaders took up the issue in both houses and asked Prime Minister Narendra Modi to intervene and direct Badal led Punjab government to ensure withdrawal of the calendar by SGPC.
In upper house ‘Rajya Sabha’, Congress MP Ashwani Kumar said, “No other incident can be unfortunate than celebrating death anniversaries of assassins of those (Indra Gandhi and General Vaidya) who fought against ‘terrorism’. This is shameful for the country.”
Replying on behalf of the ruling alliance, minister of parliamentary affairs Mukhtar Abbas Nakvi said this is a serious matter. “Neither BJP nor its government recognize the calendar. We are against the move. The people who are doing so, have not been promoted by the government”, he added.
SAD (B) MP Sukhdev Singh Dhindsa said he had no concern with the matter. “We have not asked anyone to do so”, he clarified.
Congress MP Ambika Soni also protested against the SGPC move. Ravneet Bittu demanded the calendar be declared as illegal by the government. He said that the calendar could not be introduced without consent of BJP as it is alliance partner in the government.
Congress’ stand was supported by Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) MPs. However, the speaker did not permit a debate on the issue.
